What is Air Force OTS like?
The Officers’ Training School (OTS) at the United States Air Force Academy is a rigorous military education program that prepares outstanding junior officers to lead troops effectively. For those wondering, "What is air force OTS like?" – this article will guide you through the program, covering its history, academic aspects, and daily life experiences.
History and Significance
The U.S. Air Force created OTS in 1938 to produce officers faster than the traditional commission program at the Military Academy (now West Point). In just over a year, a second lieutenant would be educated in the arts of leading airpower. Only civilian college graduates with relevant aptitude, leadership abilities, and potential for aviation became eligible for OTS training. Today, over 25,000 former OTS graduates currently lead the U.S. Air Force.
Mission
The OTS training aims to:
- Transform bright, energetic, young cadets into capable warriors of the digital era
- Develop competent junior officers, ready for direct commission and leadership within operational units
- Deliver adaptive, technologist-like education, linking innovative thinking to operational results
- Forge strong foundations in critical thinking, tactical decision-making, and resource management
Phase One: Classroom Training (Four Weeks)
Within this initial phase, student-officers attend 30 subjects, focusing on critical learning areas like:
| Subjects | Descriptions |
|---|---|
| Technical Warfare | Introduction to strategic and operational planning. |
| Air Mobility/Transport | Examining air transport, amphibious, and airlift strategies. |
| JFACC | Focuses on joint force aviation planning and coordination. |
Physical and Mental Conditioning
Within a physically grueling schedule, Phase One trains students to excel at airpower-focused physical education: Olympic Sports, combat conditioning exercises, and aircrew adaptability training.
Flight Indoctrination
Each new OTS student joins Flight Indoctrination in three phases:
- Ground School: Foundational knowledge of aircraft characteristics and systems
- Flight Simulators: Mastering flying skills while maintaining situational awareness and reacting to unexpected events
- Flight Instructions: Hands-on experience of specific aircraft maneuvers and pilot checks
Phase Two: Field Training (24 Hours)
In intense Field Training exercises, individuals collaborate to achieve mission-oriented success. Students face reality-driven scenarios:
- Planning for Aerial Fire Missions
- Executing Tactical Aerial Refuel (TAR) mission rehearsal
- Participating in Crisis Actions simulation
Off-Campus Training during Phase Two:
Students may participate in field internships at a regional Air National Guard facility.
Graduation & Active Duty
Upon the program’s conclusion, qualified graduate officers will be offered Direct Commission to the USAF. With their academic skills, airpower literacy, and experience, commissioned junior officers can expect accelerated advancements in their careers within aviation.
What OTS is like: First Hand Accounts
Current/former OTS students offered honest insights on their life-transforming experience:
"This transformative journey forced me outside of my comfort zone: We were encouraged to tackle airpower in an experimental format, ensuring adaptability becomes second nature." ~ Flight Lieutenant James
"Fiercely competitive Phase Two training refined my survival instinct, ensuring I develop confidence & resilience, readying myself for a life leading as a young officer."
~ Airman Amy
What is air force OTS like in 2023?: Summarized, OTA consists of rigorous instruction, physically demanding scenarios, and innovative problem-solving tools. Those who brave its challenges develop the competence required to become successful commissioned Junior Officers.
